It was just shy of a year ago that a Phelan man drowned in the aqueduct. His body was recovered in the same location.

And a few miles north, there were two separate incidents of cars going into the aqueduct in 2017. A total of four people were killed in those crashes.

People often walk on the asphalt path long the aqueduct; but there are signs warning people not to ride bikes. "It's good exercise, for us we do it three times a week, and it's safe, well I thought it was safe. Of course, not for little kids on bicycles," said Graham.

Rodriguez's sister said her brother did know how to swim, but never in large bodies of water.She, along with law enforcement, are calling Rodriguez a hero.

"It's so sad that somebody like that has to lose their life," one resident said.